Actuating element comprising a locking element for inserting and removing flat modules by leverage in at least three connection positions, front element for a flat module, comprisng an actuating element and a subassembly support for receiving flat modules

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an actuating element for inserting and removing a flat module ( 2 ) by leverage, said element comprising an end piece ( 1 ) designed to be connected to a flat module ( 2 ). An actuating lever ( 4 ), which is pivotally mounted on the end piece ( 1 ), has at least one grip section ( 5 ) and a locking element ( 6 ), which can be displaced, in particular, slid between two connection positions (A, B). In a first connection position (A), the actuating lever ( 4 ) retains the flat module ( 2 ) in its inserted state and in a second connection position (B), the actuating lever ( 4 ) is released to remove the module by leverage. The actuating element has a connecting element ( 25 ), which is activated in the first connection position (A) of the locking element ( 6 ). The latter ( 6 ) can be displaced into a third connection position (C), in which the actuating lever ( 4 ) is retained in the first position, corresponding to the inserted state of the flat module ( 2 ) and in which the connecting element ( 25 ) is disconnected.

SPECIFICATION

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating element for inserting and removing flat modules with locking elements by leverage into at least three switched positions, having the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1. The invention furthermore relates to a front system for a flat module having at least one such actuating element, an associated flat module, as well as a component support for receiving such flat modules with a front system, which can be inserted and removed by leverage.

[0002] An actuating element for inserting and removing flat modules with an end element by leverage is known as the prior art from Utility Model 299 22 725.1 (Siemens), which has been prepared for being connected with a flat module and has an actuating lever, which is rotatably seated at the end element.

[0003] The actuating element has a locking element which allows the removal of the actuating element by leverage in one switched position, and prevents this in another switched position. A defined actuation or relief of a positioning element integrated into an end element of such an actuating element does not occur.

[0004] The object of the invention is based on offering an actuating element for inserting and removing a flat module by leverage, which allows a defined actuation or relief of an integrated positioning element. Moreover, it is intended to offer an associated front system for such a flat module, a flat module with such a front system, as well as a component support for receiving such flat modules, which can be inserted and removed by leverage.

[0005] For the actuating element, this object is attained by the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1, together with the characteristics of the preamble. Advantageous embodiments of the actuating element are described in dependent claims 2 to 9. For the front system, the object is attained by the characteristics of claim 10, for the flat module by the characteristics of claim 11, and for the component support by the characteristics of claim 12.

[0006] A third switched position of the locking element is provided for the actuating element of the invention, in which the actuating lever of the actuating element continues to be maintained in a first position, which corresponds to a levered-in state of the flat module, wherein furthermore a relief of an integrated positioning element occurs. Thus, a total of at least three switching positions A, B and C are provided for the actuating element of the invention, by means of which a relief of an integrated positioning element takes place without a simultaneous release of the locking of the actuating lever. In this way an actuation (1 st switching position) and a relief (2nd switching position) of the integrated positioning element can be performed by adjusting, in particular by the displacement, of the locking element into two switching positions A and C, without a release of the locking of the actuating lever taking place as in the switching position B.

[0007] In the course of levering the actuating lever out, initially the actuation of the positioning element is cancelled when the locking element is displaced from a first switching position A (actuation of the positioning element and locking of the actuating lever) into a center switching position C in particular, wherein the locking of the actuating lever continues. Only when the locking element is displaced into a switching position B, the locking of the actuating lever is cancelled and the released actuating lever can be rotated for levering-out the flat module.

[0008] For structurally realizing the described separate and successive action of locking, or releasing the actuating lever and actuating or relieving the positioning element, the locking element in particular has a switching slide for actuating a switching lever of the switching element, as well as locking members, in particular a sliding edge which slides along a corresponding sliding detent of the actuating element and either contacts the latter, in which case the actuating lever remains locked, or releases it, whereupon the actuating lever is also released and can be rotated in preparation for removing the flat module by leverage.

[0009] A front plate with at least one actuating element in accordance with the invention is provided for the front system of the invention. Furthermore, a flat module is provided having a front system with an actuating element in accordance with the invention. Finally, the invention includes a component support, into which flat modules with a front system in accordance with the invention can be inserted and from which they can be removed by leverage.

[0010] The invention will be explained in greater detail by means of exemplary embodiments in the drawings. Shown are in:

[0011]FIG. 1, a perspective lateral view of a basic embodiment of an actuating element in accordance with the prior art,

[0012]FIG. 2, a lateral plan view of a front system for a flat module having an actuating element in accordance with the prior art in accordance with FIG. 1,

[0013]FIG. 3, a lateral partial sectional representation of an actuating element in accordance with the invention with a locking element in switched position A,

[0014]FIG. 4, a lateral partial sectional representation of an actuating element in accordance with the invention in FIG. 3 with a locking element in switched position C, as well as

[0015]FIG. 5, a lateral partial sectional representation of an actuating element in accordance with the invention in FIG. 3 with a locking element in switched position B.

[0016] An actuating element in accordance with the prior art for inserting and removing a flat module 2 by leverage, having an end element 1 for connection with the flat module 2 and a front plate, is shown in FIG. 1 (also see FIG. 2).

[0017] Here, the actuating element rests on a lower transverse rail 10 of a component support and has as its main components an actuating lever 4, an end element 1 and a front plate 3, not represented in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity. In this case the end element 1 has a central retaining function, since on the one hand it is used as a support for the actuating lever 4, which is rotatably seated in particular in a bore 14. On the other hand, it can also be used for retaining the lower end of the front plate 3, which for this purpose is advantageously pushed into a groove 22.

[0018] The connection between the lower end element 1 and the front, lower edge of the flat module 2 (see FIG. 2) is preferably made via a retaining block 17 by means of a screw engaging a bore 34.

[0019] Finally, other components can also be attached to such an end element 1. The end element 1 represented in FIG. 1 contains a coding block 13, in which coding chambers 27 for the insertion of coding pins, not represented, have been cut. These can engage coding chambers attached oppositely at the lower transverse rail 10, which are equipped with complementarily coded coding pins. It is possible to assure by this that only one definitely selected flat module 2 can be positioned in a plug position of a component support. Finally there is also a guide pin 15 which, following engagement in an oppositely located, not illustrated guide bore, assures the insertion of the flat module 2 in a tilt-free correct manner.

[0020] The actuating lever 4, which can be worked by operating the handle element 5 when the actuating element 6 is moved into the switched position (B), is used for inserting or removing the flat modules by leverage into or out of the corresponding plug position.

[0021] During levering-out it is necessary to push the actuating lever 4 down, so that at least one levering-out projection 9 protruding from the underside can be supported on a front edge 12 of the lower transverse rail 10. For reversing this, it is necessary in the course of levering-in to push the actuating lever 4 upward, so that at least one levering-in edge 8, also projecting from the underside, can be supported inside at least one engagement depression 11 also located in the area of the front edge 12 of the lower transverse rail 10.

[0022] Customarily means are also provided on the end element 1, through which the actuating lever 4 can be fixed in place in the appropriate position after reaching the state in which it is completely inserted into the flat module. To this end, the actuating lever 4 advantageously has a resilient, upward extending detent protrusion 24 on its top, which is directed toward the end element 1 and extends behind a detent edge 23 on the end element 1 which is directed toward the actuation lever 4 and extends downward.

[0023] In the same manner a corresponding arrangement is attached to the corner area of the flat module 2 represented in FIG. 2, which consists of an upper end element 3 with an actuating lever 4 rotatably seated thereon. The latter then engages a corresponding upper transverse rail of a component support (not represented) for levering-in and -out.

[0024] A positioning element 25 is integrated in the lower or upper end element of the actuating element in accordance with the prior art shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which is actuated by means of the actuating lever 4 when it is in its fixed position (switched position A). In this way it is possible to electrically clear the flat module 2 attached to the actuating lever 4, for example by activating its current supply. In the other way the flat module 2 can also be switched electrically passive in that at the moment the flat module 2 is levered out the action of the actuating lever 4 on the positioning element 25 integrated into the end element 1 ends, and the electrical current supply for the flat module 2 is passivated again by the release of the positioning element 25.

[0025] The positioning element 25 is seated in a receiving slot 28 extending as far as the area of the detent edge 23 of the end element 1. Thus a switching element of the positioning element 25, for example a switching lever 29, projects into the area below the downward sloping detent edge 23 and, when the fixed state of the actuating lever 4 (switched position A) is reached, is actuated by the switching slide 26 of the locking element 6 of the actuating lever 4 when the actuating lever is in position A. The locking element 6 is connected with the switching slide 26 via a connecting element 30.

[0026] If the actuating lever 4 is displaced into the position B (see FIG. 2), the switching element 29 is relieved and the positioning element 25 is switched into a second switched state, whereupon a passivation of the flat module 2 takes place in particular.

[0027] The levering-out of the actuating lever 4 can thereafter take place in that its handle element 5 is moved downward—in the direction of the transverse rail 10—, so that the detent projection 24 of the actuating lever 4 is resiliently released from the detent edge 23 of the end element 1. The positioning element 25 can be activated or passivated by displacing the locking element 6 between the positions A and B in FIG. 2, and this is independent of the complete release of the actuating element by the described downward levering-out of the actuating lever 4 for removing the flat module 2 from the component support.

[0028] Further details regarding the structure of the actuating element in accordance with the prior art in FIG.s 1 and 2, and in particular regarding the functioning of the locking element 6, ensue from Utility Model application 299 22 725.1 (Siemens), the content of whose disclosure is explicitly incorporated into these application papers.

[0029] The integrated positioning element 25 can be advantageously electrically connected with the flat module 2 by means of a cable or cable-plug connector, which can be attached to its connecting contacts 16.

[0030] Thus it is possible to operate the positioning elements 25 always dependably and wear-free by means of the actuating element if the switching means of the positioning element 25 have only a very short switching path.

[0031] Since the active-passive switching function is completely integrated into the actuating element, users of the front system are not subjected to any restrictions regarding the positioning of components on a flat module equipped with such a front system. In particular, no dimensionally exact position determinations in respect to electrical connections for the position element 25 are required there.

[0032] To the extent the structure of the actuating system in accordance with the invention in FIGS. 3 to 5 corresponds to the structure in accordance with the prior art in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, identical reference numerals have been employed, which have the functions represented in the description of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 without needing supplementary explanations.

[0033]FIG. 3 represents a lateral partial sectional representation of an actuating element in accordance with the invention with a locking element in switched position A. In this case the switching lever 29 of the position element 25 is actuated by means of a switching slide 26 of the locking element 6 (1 st switched state), by means of which the flat module 2 connected with the positioning element 25 is activated, for example. With the locking element 6 in the switched position A, a rotation of the actuating lever 4 in the direction of rotation 19 is simultaneously prevented, because its sliding edge 7 rests on the sliding detent 18. In this way the actuating lever 4 is in a levered-in and locked position and the detent projection 24 of the actuating lever 4 has been snapped under the edge 23 of the end element 1.

[0034] In FIG. 4, the locking element 6 is in the switched position C. Therefore the switching slide 26 of the locking element 6 is also in a retracted position, so that the switching lever 29 of the positioning element 5 is relieved (2nd. switched state). By means of this the flat module 2 is passivated, for example. At the same time the sliding edge 7 of the locking element 6 continues to be in contact with the sliding detent 18 of the actuating element, the same as in the switched position in FIG. 3. By means of this it is still assured that the actuating lever is in a locked and levered-in position, and the detent projection 24 continues to be snapped in underneath the edge 23 of the end element 1.

[0035]FIG. 5 shows the locking element 6 in a switched position B, namely in a rear end position. Here, the same as in the switched position C in accordance with FIG. 4, the switching lever 29 of the positioning element 5 is still relieved, therefore the flat module 2 continues to be passive. In addition, because of the retracted position of the locking element 6 in the switched position B, further contact of the sliding edge 7 with the sliding detent 18 is cancelled. Therefore the actuating lever 4 can be moved in the direction of rotation 19, so that the detent projection 24 can be levered out of the positive connection with the edge 23 of the end element 1, and finally the flat module 2 can be levered out of the component support.

[0036] The flat module 2, front plate 3, as well as the transverse rail 10, are not shown in the representations of FIGS. 3 to 5, and they correspond to the representations in FIGS. 1 and 2. To the extent that the actuating element in accordance with the invention has not been differently described, with identical identifications its structure also corresponds to the structure of an actuating element in accordance with the prior art in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0037] The sequence represented in drawing FIGS. 3 to 5 makes it clear that a relief of the switching lever 29 of the position element 25 (FIG. 4) can take place independently of the unlocking of the actuating lever 4 (FIG. 5). In this way the user can definitely decide whether he only wants an actuation or relief of the switching lever 29 of the positioning element 5, or whether the cancellation of the locking of the actuating lever 4 is also to be performed in the end. 

1. An actuating element for inserting and removing a flat module (2) by leverage, having a) an end element (1), which has been prepared for connection with a flat module (2), and b) an actuating lever (4), which is rotatably seated on the end element (1) and at least comprises b1) a handle element (5), and b2) a locking element (6), which can be adjusted, in particular displaced, between at least two switched positions (A, B) and which b22) in a first switched position (A) maintains the actuating lever (4) in a first position, which corresponds to a levered-in state of the flat module (2), and which b23) releases the actuating lever (4) in a second switched position (B), characterized in that the actuating element has a positioning element (25) which is actuated in the first switched position (A) of the locking element (6), and that the locking element (6) can be displaced into a third switched position (C), in which the actuating lever (4) is maintained in the first position corresponding to a levered-in state of the flat module (2), and in which the positioning element (25) is relieved.
 2. The actuating element in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the positioning element (25) is integrated into the end element (1) of the actuating element.
 3. The actuating element in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the positioning element (25) has a switching lever (29).
 4. The actuating element in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the locking element (6) has a switching slide (26) for actuating the switching lever (29).
 5. The actuating element in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (6) has a sliding edge (7).
 6. The actuating element in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the sliding edge (7) contacts a sliding detent (18) of the actuating element.
 7. The actuating element in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that when the sliding edge (7) contacts the sliding detent (18), the actuating lever (4) is locked in the levered-in position.
 8. The actuating element in accordance with one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that no contact between the sliding edge (7) and the sliding detent (18) takes place when the locking element (6) is in the switched position (B).
 9. The actuating element in accordance with one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that in a switched position (C) of the locking element (6) the relief of the switching lever (29) of the positioning element (25) takes place, along with a continued locking of the actuating lever (4) in a first position corresponding to the levered-in state of the flat module (2).
 10. A front system for a flat module (2), having a front plate (3) and at least one actuating element in accordance with one of preceding claims 1 to 9, which is attached to one end of the front plate (3).
 11. A flat module (2) having a front system in accordance with claim
 10. 12. A component support designed in such a way that flat modules (2) with a front system in accordance with claim 10 can be inserted and removed by leverage. 